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Moscow Kremlin: Walls, Cathedrals and History

The Kremlin is probably Moscow’s main attraction and a symbol of Russia, situated in the city centre. Today, it is the residence of the President of Russia. The Kremlin stands on Borovitsky Hill on the left bank of the Moskva River. It is also the seat of power and home to many cultural and historical treasures.


The first fortifications on the site of today’s Kremlin were built in the mid-12th century. At the time, these fortifications were about 700 metres long in total. The 12th century is considered the period when the Kremlin was first extensively built. In the 14th century, the Kremlin’s walls were expanded. Later, the wooden fortifications were replaced with white-stone ones. It is thought that the name “white-stone Moscow” dates from this period.


The Kremlin’s first churches were built in the 13th century. A little later, in the 15th century, the Kremlin was rebuilt with the help of Italian masters. Architectural landmarks such as the Assumption Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Annunciation and the Palace of Facets were built in the Kremlin during the 15th century. Later still, in the 16th century, the Archangel Cathedral was built here as the burial place of the Russian tsars.


Many new buildings have been added since then. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Senate and Arsenal buildings, the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Armoury were built.


Today, the Armoury is the Kremlin’s most visited museum. It houses Russia’s diamond collection, and visitors can also admire unique works by renowned jewellers, including pieces by the Fabergé family.


The Palace of Congresses, built during the Soviet era and typical of Soviet architecture, stands apart from the Kremlin’s architectural ensemble.


The Kremlin opened to visitors in 1955, two years after Stalin’s death. In 2000, UNESCO added the Moscow Kremlin to its World Heritage List.

At a glance: The Moscow Kremlin

  • The Moscow Kremlin lies on Borovitsky Hill, beside the Moskva River in the city centre.
  • Walls, towers, cathedrals, palaces and museums form a historic ensemble shaped over time.
  • The Assumption, Annunciation and Archangel Cathedrals each offer a distinct religious and art-historical perspective.
  • The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1990.
  • The Armoury, open areas and individual buildings may have separate tickets and access rules.
  • Opening hours, admission, security checks, closures and current travel conditions should be confirmed before your visit.

Planning a visit to the Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin brings together political history, churches and museums, and has tightly controlled access. Before your visit, decide which areas and collections you are interested in, as a tour of the entire ensemble cannot simply be shortened at will. Check admission requirements, security procedures and which areas are currently open shortly before your visit.

Allow extra time on the day of your visit before entering. Large bags, prohibited items and last-minute changes to access rules can affect your plans. Red Square and Lenin’s Mausoleum add to the area’s historic attractions; setting aside a separate block of time for other museums usually makes the day easier to organise.

Choosing your access and how much to see

If it is your first visit to the Kremlin, decide in advance whether you want a brief overview or a more extensive museum visit. This choice affects your ticket, the time needed and the order in which you visit places in the city centre. For families or travellers on a tight schedule, focusing on one main area is more manageable than trying to see every building in a single morning.

Explore the fortress walls, cathedrals and museums

The Moscow Kremlin is a fortified historic ensemble, not just a single building. The official Moscow Kremlin Museums website is the authoritative source for opening hours, tickets and current notices. For a broader view of the area along the Moskva River, see Moscow and the information about Red Square.

Cathedral Square is home to buildings with different functions and from different periods. The Moscow museums, Lenin’s Mausoleum and shopping in Moscow are other city attractions best kept separate from a single tour of the Kremlin. For UNESCO context, it is the connection between the Kremlin and Red Square that matters.

The Armoury, Cathedral Square, the walls and exterior views each require their own time. Check tickets, bag rules, security procedures, photography rules and possible closures shortly before your visit. Moscow’s railway stations are useful landmarks on arrival, but they are no substitute for planning your route.

Before making firm travel plans, check getting there and transport, travel preparation, staying safe while travelling and the latest travel and safety advice for the Russian Federation. Historical descriptions do not confirm current opening hours or guarantee access to every area.

FAQ about the Moscow Kremlin

What is included in the Moscow Kremlin?

The ensemble includes fortress walls and towers, Cathedral Square, several historic buildings, museums and other areas, each with its own rules.

How long should I allow for the Kremlin?

That depends on whether you plan to visit only the exterior areas, Cathedral Square or a museum as well. Plan separate blocks of time for admission, security checks, walking and breaks.

Is the entire Kremlin open to visitors?

No. Access, tickets, security checks and possible closures vary by area and date. The museum’s latest information takes precedence.

When did the Kremlin become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990. World Heritage status is a historical designation, not a guarantee of current access.